Microsoft bows vidgame studio in Vancouver

Black Tusk to develop triple-A games

On the heels of the closure of several gaming studios in Vancouver, Microsoft has launched Black Tusk Studios, which will focus on developing triple-A games.

The city has recently been hit by the loss of major players in the console gaming arena including Rockstar Vancouver and Radical Entertainment, so the new two-floor Yaletown-based studio is a big boom to the gaming industry in the city.

Currently employing just over 50 people, the studio, which is headed by industry veteran Mike Crump, is recruiting more.

Black Tusk says it is out to create immersive, “emotionally engaging” AAA gaming experiences with plans to develop Microsoft’s next entertainment franchise.